Erling Haaland turned on the power with two late goals as Manchester City smashed Burnley in ruthless fashion with a helping hand from hapless defender Maxime Esteve who twice put through his own net.
Pep Guardiola’s men had come under fire after back to back defeats in August but City have rediscovered their bite. Three wins and a draw since that wobble have them climbing back up the table and this was as comfortable a night as they could have asked for.
The citizen were gifted their opener. Jeremy Doku darted into the box and fired low. Martin Dubravka could only push the shot out and Esteve made a mess of his clearance as the ball trickled over the line. City were already in control but this slice of luck made life easier.
Doku looked electric throughout the first half and went close again with a stinging drive that Dubravka had to beat away at the near post. Yet despite the pressure Burnley found a leveller out of nowhere. Jaidon Anthony, enjoying a fine run of form, bundled the ball in after it clipped Ruben Dias on its way past Gianluigi Donnarumma.
That gave Scott Parker’s side a burst of belief. Lyle Foster flashed a shot just wide early in the second half before Quilindschy Hartman stung Donnarumma’s gloves from distance. For a moment it looked as if the Clarets might rattle City.
But class told. Matheus Nunes pounced on a Haaland knock down and lashed home a superb volley to restore the lead. The Portuguese midfielder then delivered again moments later. His low cross was nudged goalward by Oscar Bobb and cruelly bundled in by Esteve for his second own goal of a nightmare night.
With Burnley broken Haaland went hunting. The Norwegian striker had been unusually quiet but he never stays silent for long. A neat finish into the corner made it four and then came the trademark poacher’s touch to wrap things up. Two goals in quick succession and another reminder that he remains the most lethal forward in the league.
City fans were in full voice by the end as their side coasted to a thumping win. Guardiola will be delighted to see his players rediscover their swagger after early season questions over their hunger.
Burnley meanwhile were left to lick their wounds. Anthony’s goal was a rare bright spark but defensive errors and sheer quality from City left them with no chance. Esteve in particular endured a horror evening that will not be forgotten in a hurry.
For City the message is clear. Their stumble is over and Pep’s men are back in business with Haaland leading the charge once again.